Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are neutral proteinases that are involved in the breakdown and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) under a variety of physiological and pathological conditions, such as morphogenesis, differentiation, angiogenesis and tissue remodeling, as well as pathological processes including inflammation, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases and tumor invasion. MMP9, also known as 92-kDa gelatinase B/type IV collagenase, is secreted from neutrophils, macrophages, and a number of transformed cells, and is the most complex family member in terms of domain structure and regulation of its activity. It plays an important role in tissue remodelling in normal and pathological inflammatory processes. MMP-9 is a major secretion product of macrophages and a component of cytoplasmic granules of neutrophils, and is particularly important in the pathogenesis of inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic diseases in many organs including the lung. This enzyme is also secreted by lymphocytes and stromal cells upon stimulation by inflammatory cytokines, or upon delivery of bi-directional activation signals following integrin-mediated cell-cell or cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) contacts. Since the integrity of the tissue architecture is closely dependent of the delicate balance between MMPs and their inhibitors, excessive production of MMP-9 is linked to tissue damage and degenerative inflammatory disorders. As a consequence, regulation of gene transcription and tissue-specific expression of MMP-9 in normal and diseased states are being actively investigated to pave the way for new therapeutic targets. In addition, the dramatic overexpression of MMP-9 in cancer and various inflammatory conditions clearly points to the molecular mechanisms controlling its expression as a potential target for eventual rational therapeutic intervention.
